Moved

I'm shutting this one down.  It was an epic fail - like much of 2009, lol.

I thought about trying to 'merge' it with the other one, but sometimes it's just easier to scrap it and start from scratch.

Update your followings, subscriptions, readers, etc....


www.chasing26.com

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Almost A Month

It's been almost a month since I've blogged here.  Once again, two blogs is getting to be too much - especially since they're basically about the same thing.   I'm contemplating merging the two - just too much work. 

Silver Comet Half Marathon was Saturday - PR'd by 8 minutes.  Race Report on Other Blog I feel pretty good about the race.  A lot of thoughts of what if - but my focus is on the marathon at this point.  McMillan Race Calculator says I can expect to finish marathon in 5:05.

Maiden Voyage of New Bike yesterday.  Seriously, why would I decided to ride 'rolling hills' the day after a half marathon.  Sheesh.  Dead legs.   Locked chain up once.  Fell over (literally) once.  I'm still getting used to new cleats.  Need to spend some time with it on the trainer and just practicing clipping in and out.  12 slow miles.  But it's done and I'm well on my way.   Part of the issue is the right cleat is more difficult to unclip than my left cleat, but I'm used to unclipping right to stop/etc.   So, I start trying to unclip right and after struggling several 'moments,' I finally just unclip the left (which isn't easy either.)   Yesterday, my riding buddy got to close to a curb and fell, and I couldn't get unclipped fast enough to check on her - before we were both laying in the grass - having a good laugh at ourselves.

Today's a 35 minute 'easy run.'  My parents are coming into town, so I'm already know I'm going to struggle to get this one done.  Running (or any physical activity, for that matter) is one of those things my parents just don't really get. 

Happy Monday.

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Well, that didn't take long at all...

Yes, that's right.  Signed, Sealed, & Delivered.

Wednesday night, I went out to Atlanta Cycling. After discussing what I wanted/needed and my goal price range, they put me on a bike that was well over $500 outside the upper end of my price range.  That was before tax - fittings - pedals - etc.  I was a bit peeved.  Then he tried to step me down to the model under that one.  Saying it's the same frame/etc, but components are less & that's not necessarily bad because the 'lesser' components are more durable.  Whatever.  Truthfully, I went there hoping to get to ride several different bikes.  I'd asked about a Cannondale.  He was adamant that I didn't belong on a Cannondale.  Uhm.  Okay?

When I asked about other 'options' in my price point, his response "This is the only bike I would recommend for you."

Truthfully, the Trek that he put me on was fine.  The reach from the seat to the handle bars was a little too long, and he kept trying to tell me that could be adjusted out.  He did not have one of the 'lower model' bikes in stock for me to ride.  Needless to say, I left there very frustrated.

From there, I went up to Performance Bikes.  I like Performance.  I've always gotten good service.  They're always willing to help.  Luckily, they were very slow Wednesday evening and I had time to ask lots of questions. 

My sales person was Doug.  He was probably 6'5" and definitely racing in the masters.  He and Sister Madonna Buder could have dated in high school.  That's okay though - he was very knowledgeable and super helpful.  Once I convinced him I really was only 5'2" and really did need an XS and a compact frame, at least.

We talked about all my carbon options.  He said I was very lucky to go from Hybrid to Carbon Road.  Something about like going from horse and carriage to Ferrari.  I laughed.  I was starting to get a little disheartened though, because nothing seemed like it was going to fit.  I finally said "Do you have any women-specific designs?"

He thought for a moment and then said, we have one left.  It's in the back.

So, I followed him to the back and there on the bike rack hung my  bike.

A 2009 Fuji Silhouette.

So, I test rode it.   Loved it.  Great shifting.  Great feel.  $1000 off list price.  It was hard not to take the bike with me.  But, I made myself go home and talk about it.  I emailed the bike coach for GFA and had him look at the specs and get back to me.   After the 'excellent choice,' I got from him, I drove up to Peformance last night and made my purchase.  I even added some Carbon Road Pedals to go with it.

Now, Performance offers a free bike fit with the purchase of the bike.  But, the bike coach for GFA also does bike fitting (for a fee).  I'm going with him, since he'll end up being my bike coach when I refocus back to triathlons in the spring.  

The deal I got on the bike opens up a lot of my 'budget' for addons.  I'm holding off on aerobars, for a while.  I want to spend time getting used to the bike and actually riding a road bike.  I'm going to add some water cages and probably buy a storage rack for the house this weekend.  Haven't decided about transport yet (it fits inside my truck easily, as long as I'm not transporting kiddos.)    I may buy a new helmet.  Wanting to 'add' stuff is so overwhelming, LOL.

BOTTOM BRACKET:	FSA MegaEXO Exterior Bearing System
BRAKES:	Cane Creek SCR-3 dual pivot w/ cartridge pads
CASSETTE:	Shimano 105, 11-25T 10-speed
CHAIN:	KMC DX-10, 10sp
CRANKSET:	FSA Gossamer MegaExo, w/Integrated spindle, 7075 CNC 34/50T Chainrings
FORK:	FC-770 Fuji Bonded Carbon Integrated w/ 1 1/8" Alloy Steerer
FRAME:	Monoque C-4 carbon with 12K weave carbon strands, Integrated aluminum cupped head tube, Double water bottle mounts, C-4 carbon curved stays with shaped ride tuned Energy Transfer Chainstay, cold forged dropout with replaceable hanger
FRONT DERAILLEUR:	Shimano Ultegra F-Type
GRIPS/TAPE:	Fuji custom cork wrap
HANDLEBAR:	Fuji UltraLite 6061 Double Butted, 31.8mm w/Anatomical drops
HEADSET:	Cane Creek 1 1/8" Integrated, w/ Convex hollow alloy spacer
LEVERS:	Shimano R-700 STI shifter/brake
PEDALS:	Nil
RACK MOUNTS:	No
REAR DERAILLEUR:	Shimano Ultegra
SADDLE:	Fuji WoS.O. Specific
SEATPOST:	Fuji PRO Forged alloy, 350mm
SHIFTERS:	Shimano R-700 shifter/brake, 20-speed Flight Deck compatible
STEM:	Fuji Pro Ultalite Forged Alloy +/- 7 degree
TIRES:	Continental UltraSport, 700 x 23c
WHEELSET:	Alex ALX-200, 700c clincher

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Finding The Perfect Bike

Last night, before my TNR™ with Get Fit Atlanta, which starts at Peachtree Bikes, I spent a little time in Peachtree Bikes.  At this point, the decision is to get a road bike.   It's now a matter of finding my bike.

After discussing my price range and confessing that I have zero knowledge of components, I got a brief overview the basics.  The first thing we covered is the difference between carbon and aluminium.

Bear with me through this process. 

The first bike I rode was a 2009 Felt F95.   It's an aluminum frame.  Very light.  Not a bad ride.  I'll admit I was a little 'put off' that I give someone a price range and they bring out a bike that is tagged $1100 to start with.

The shift/brake lever in two parts, which the sales guy tells me is not the industry 'standard' anymore.   

The 2nd bike I rode was a 2009 Specialized Ruby Compact.  It's all carbon.  The components are all Shimano 105, which I'm told is '2 steps down from top of the line, but by far more durable.'  She shift/brake lever is one mechanism, which imho, was a lot easier to deal with (and could become a selling point.)

I liked the bike, but it felt a little too big?  I wasn't 100% comfortable on the bike, even with a few 'test ride adjustments.' 

Thoughts:  After riding carbon & aluminum, I like the carbon better.  It was a smoother ride.  I think I'll be happier with carbon.

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And then he said, "Let there be bike..."

Completely out of the blue.  Okay, not completely, as I've been lusting after a new bike for, oh, two years now.  Actually, we came to an agreement that I'd get a new bike by the New Year.  I've been very patient. 

But, really, out of the blue on Saturday, James ups and says "I think we should go ahead and buy you the bike."

Oh.Holy.Mother.Mary.Contrary.   Floored I tell you.  Truthfully, I hadn't even started thinking seriously about a bike.  Now, I have to decide NOW.

Do I get a roadie or a tri-bike?   What are my best options in the 2K range?  What will I name him?  Too.much.pressure.

Still, I don't know if I'd be better to wait until EOY model closeouts are in full swing.  When does that start again!?   LOL.

Any input on bike ideas greatly appreciated. :)

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A Quietness

I've been around, just not blogging.  Long week.   Anniversary (7 years!), James's Birthday, ACS Commitments, Karate, Running (at least a little), report cards (EEK!)

Saturday's kick off of training with Get Fit Atlanta.  Easy-Peasy 3 mile run for time group placement.  Goal:  Don't kill myself trying to be something I'm not (yet).


Having some stomach issues.  Bruising issues.  Stupid sparring.  I took a really hard side kick to the abdomen.   Knocked the wind out of me, and is now tender to the touch.  Makes breathing quite uncomfortable at times.  I keep thinking that Ryan (one of our instructors) is always talking about MMA people getting hit on purpose to build up resistance to the hit in the fight.  I don't think I have any aspirations to be an MMA fighter!

Happy Friday. 

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Green!

♪♫♪ I got promoted, I got promoted. ♪♫♪

.Last night was the third stripe test for this quarter. Belt promotion test. I rocked my kata, really focusing on pivots and snapping out punches and kicks. I got my favorite partner for 'partner drills' - she's super patient and really makes an effort to help you look awesome doing your techniques. I was aggressive on my Krav self defenses, which our school includes as part of the adult promotions. I passed! Up to a green belt. Woo.Hoo!

Running has been lacking this week. I was supposed to do track work Monday, but really, with the rain, I just didn't make it. Plus, I had a nasty bugger of a headache on Monday.

Tuesday, I just didn't get around to my easy run. I'm mad at myself about that one. I thought about making it up today, but I have a 5 mile tempo run tomorrow (7 miles total), so I'm thinking I'm just going to pickup from there and take my lumps for not doing my runs.

I've ordered my new black gi and am trying to talk James into my kamas right now so I'm ready for next week.

Happy Wednesday!

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